Girard A. Plante

Girard A. Plante, 63, of Aburndale, MA, formerly of Utica, NY, passed away on February 14, 2023, with his beloved twin brother, Gerald, and life-time friend/nurse Jenna at his side.

Girard was a 1979 graduate of Thomas R. Proctor High School and received a resounding commencement ceremony standing ovation for his achievements. Girard went on to earn a Bachelor degree from Utica College of Syracuse University in 1988 in Broadcast Journalism. He was a freelance writer for the Observer Dispatch, the Central New York Academy of Medicine and Net Design. He was a volunteer for Utica RCIL for decades and ran for councilman in the City of Utica. He was also a writer for Zogby International. In Massachusetts, he was a columnist for the Boston Post-Gazette, writing a biweekly column entitled Simple Times, a writer for the Book Builders of Boston, a contributing writer/editor for the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, He was a volunteer for BCIL. His community affiliations included Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities, Greater Boston Chapter of the NSCIA, Spinal Cord Injury Advisory Board, Community advocate/activist for access issues and disability rights and the Disability Policy Consortium. His past community involvement included being a Guide at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston and a member of the National Alumni Council for Utica College. He was commended by the Mayor of Newton in July of 2022 for his "long and dedicated service as a member of the City of Newton's Commission on Disability."

Girard leaves to celebrate his life his sisters Mary C. Plante (Gerald Godkin), Anne M. Plante and Denise M. Plante, brother and twin, Gerald F. Plante (Stan Christy), sister Therese B. Plante (Carl Forlano), nephews and nieces, Robert Thrasher (Carol Sayson), Sheryl Thrasher (Laurence Sardina), Andre Fici (Melanie Sotherden), Daniel Plante, Joseph Plante, Vincent Hoover, great nieces and nephews Bobbie Thrasher (Lindsay), Abigail Cowles (Cody), Ariana Fici,(Frankie), Billy Dean, Isabelle and Eliza Vandewalker and great-great nephew Arthur Thrasher, numerous cousins and friends. Girard was predeceased by parents Royal F. and Winifred M. (Mitchell) Plante, our grandparents Joseph R. and Mary (Kelly) Plante, Charles and Cecelia (Rouillier) Mitchell, our oldest brother Bernard M. Plante and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Girard's Memorial Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at Historic Old St. John's Church, 240 Bleecker St., Downtown Utica, on Saturday, March 18th, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. In memory of Girard, donations may be made to Craig Hospital, 3425 Clarkson St., Englewood, CO 80113 or RCIL, 131 Genesee St. Utica, NY 13501.